Ghana to play at World Chess Olympiad – 2018

September 23, 2018 @ 8:00 am - October 9, 2018 @ 5:00 pm

The National chess team of Ghana also known as the Golden Knights are set to participate in the 43rd Chess Olympiad scheduled to take place in Batumi, Georgia. The biennial event will run from September 22 to October 6 and has attracted more than 160 countries including Ghana. The Ghanaian team will feature 10 players made up of 5 men and 5 and 4 officials.
The women team includes two new entrants Maud Benson, a form one student of Achimota Senior high school as well as Tobi Felix a level 200 student of University of Ghana who made it through the qualifiers earlier in March. The other members are GCA Vice President Christiana Ashley, WFM Angela Ayiku and Dorcas Allotey who were all part of the previous national team.
The male team includes current national champion FM Hasford John, 6-time national champion IM Francis Anquandah, Fmr University of Ghana champion Jamena Mensah, new sensation Anthony Ajavon and Lionel Adu-Jnr formerly of KNUST who qualifies on his third attempt.
The delegation would be accompanied by GCA President and Congress delegate Mr. Philip Ameku, National Arbiter John Solarays as well as CM Edward Sosu as Coach. Ghana is also well represented at the arbitration department with Group Captain George Arko-Dadzie’s historic selection as an arbiter of the world event.
Regarding funding of the team, there has been many attempts through the ministry and corporate Ghana with some room left for improvement. Mr. Ameku however was grateful to Reis and Co. and Kimathi Partners for the support received from them so far whilst hoping to complete deal with GNPC as all costs have still not been covered.
GCA president has hinted a chess in schools program as well the start of a chess league which would help boost publicity for the game in Ghana and calls for all interested stakeholders to join them to make them successful.